What To Do When Your Exam Doesn't Go Well

This article is an update from the original published on Nov 30, 2021.

Maybe you failed one Paper. Maybe you failed both. You're not alone.

Often, more people are unsuccessful in their attempts in the RES Exams than you think. With a near 70% failure rate, the probability of failing is significant. Don't worry, you're not alone. We'll now review how to avoid making some of the common mistakes after failing the RES exams.

1. Don’t panic

It sounds obvious, but it really is important not to panic when you receive your results. Try to find somewhere quiet and calm down there for a while. Remember that it is only one exam in your whole life, and it's not the end of the world.

2. Talk to other people

Talking to others can help you ascertain whether it was a paper that everyone found tricky or whether perhaps it was just you that had a bad day. Nevertheless, if you know it went badly, talking to friends can still help, as they can make you feel better about it or put it into perspective for you.

3. Think about your options

No single exam is important enough to mean you've completely failed at life. So, if one exam went badly, research your options. Retake the exams? Leverage revision shortcuts like Mind Maps? Explore other professions? This research can be reassuring and could help you to calm down.

For instance, you could implement the new study techniques you learned from your kakis or gained by dissecting your previous exam. Focusing on the next exam shifts your attention from an area in which you have no control — your result on the exam, to an area in which you do have control: your score on the next test. Emphasizing improvement can also help rebuild your confidence.

4. Value effort above outcome

If you did the best you could then there was nothing more you could do. Results are not everything. It's important that if you truly feel that you did your best, that you know that it is enough.

5. Don't take it personally

Try to separate the failure from who you are. Just because one exam went badly, doesn't mean you’re now a failure. Think of other things you’re good at and what you’ve achieved lately to avoid letting a bad exam knock your self-confidence.

6. Don't dwell on it

There’s nothing you can do once the results are confirmed. While thinking about where can you can improve for next time is a good idea, try to resist the urge to overthink, and let it be.

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The above information is adapted from Top Universities & Best Colleges.

The above information is correct as on the date of listing. While every reasonable effort has been taken, errors may still arise. The author and publisher shall not be liable for any printing error, typo error or mistake.